When it comes to feeding a newborn baby, parents often wonder how much is too much. Newborns have very small stomachs, so overfeeding can lead to spit up, gas, and discomfort. But underfeeding can cause a baby to not get enough nutrition. So what is the right amount to feed a newborn?
How much should a newborn eat?
Most experts recommend feeding a newborn around 2-3 ounces per feeding during the first month. However, every baby is different. Some newborns will only want 1-2 oz at a time, while others may comfortably take more. Here are some general guidelines for newborn feeding amounts:
- 1-2 ounces per feeding in the first few days after birth.
- 2-3 ounces per feeding in the first month.
- 3-4 ounces per feeding by 2 months.
- 4-5 ounces per feeding by 3 months.
- 5-6 ounces per feeding by 4 months.
Keep in mind that these are just averages. It’s best to follow your baby’s cues and let them eat until satisfied at each feeding rather than sticking to a rigid schedule.
Is 4 ounces too much for a newborn?
Generally, 4 ounces is at the upper range of a normal feeding amount for a newborn under one month old. While some babies may be able to handle 4 ounces without issue, others may struggle.
Potential problems with feeding a newborn 4 ounces include:
- Overfeeding – Since newborns have tiny stomachs, too much breastmilk or formula at once can cause spit up, gas, and discomfort.
- Decreased demand – If fed very large amounts, a newborn may start taking less at each feeding, reducing your milk supply.
- Risk of obesity – Overfeeding during infancy can increase the risk of childhood obesity.
- Difficulty recognizing fullness cues – Babies fed larger amounts may have trouble self-regulating intake.
So while the occasional 4 ounce feeding may be fine, making it the norm can pose problems. Smaller, more frequent feedings are ideal for newborn health and development.
Tips for feeding a newborn 4 ounces
If your newborn seems hungrier and is handling 3-4 ounces without issue, here are some tips:
- Pace the feeding – Feed 1-2 ounces first, burp, then offer the rest. Going slow helps prevent spit up.
- Use a slow-flow nipple – Fast flows can lead to gulping and overfilling.
- Hold baby semi-upright – Gravity helps minimize reflux issues.
- Stop when satisfied – Don’t force the full 4 oz if baby seems full sooner.
- Watch for cues – Rooting, hands to mouth signal hunger. Turning away signals fullness.
- Divide between breasts – Alternate breasts at each feeding for a slower flow.
Pay attention to how your baby reacts after larger feeds. Signs it’s too much include spit up, discomfort, gassiness, and wet burp cloths after feeding. If you see these cues often, try going back to a lower feeding amount.
Factors that influence newborn feeding amounts
Several factors impact how much a newborn needs at each feeding, including:
Age
Younger newborns have smaller stomach capacities and lower caloric needs. Feedings tend to increase as babies grow in the first months.
Size
Larger babies may need more ounces per feeding to meet caloric demands. Smaller babies generally need less.
Feeding method
Breastfed newborns tend to take in less volume per feeding than bottle fed, but gain weight appropriately. Feeding frequency is key.
Time of day
Newborns tend to cluster feed in the evenings when milk production is highest. Larger feeds may occur during these active times.
Stage of development
Growth spurts around 2-3 weeks and 6 weeks often increase appetite for a few days. Feed on demand during growth spurts.
Medical conditions
Babies with health issues like reflux may need smaller, more frequent feeds to keep volume down. Check with your pediatrician.
So while 4 ounces is on the higher side for most newborns, some babies may tolerate or even need more. Pay attention to your baby’s unique cues.
Signs your newborn is ready for more ounces
Here are some signs your newborn may be ready to handle more than 2-3 ounces per feeding:
- Taking in adequate ounces but wanting to feed again shortly after.
- Seems hungry/unsatisfied after usual feeding amounts.
- Suckles actively throughout feedings.
- Has an efficient latch and suck/swallow rhythm.
- Has 6-8 wet diapers and regular stools daily.
- Is having a growth spurt and nursing more than usual.
If you see these consistently, try increasing the bottle or breast by half to one ounce at a time. Then watch for any signs of overfeeding.
Signs your newborn may be overfed
Look for these cues that your newborn may be getting more milk than they can handle:
- Spitting up often, especially large amounts.
- Wet burp cloths after most feedings.
- Gassiness or stomach discomfort.
- Frequent hiccups.
- Drowsiness right after feeds.
- Congestion or recurrent cough.
- Turning head away during feeds.
- Not finishing bottles.
If you notice your baby displaying signs of overfeeding, try going back down to a lower amount. Smaller, more frequent feeds are ideal.
Ways to tell if your newborn is getting enough
Wondering if your little one is getting adequate nutrition? Here are some ways to tell:
- Dirty diapers – Around 6-8 wet and 3-4 soiled diapers daily.
- Weight gain – Steady increase of around 1 ounce per day.
- Alertness – Bright, wakeful periods between feeds.
- Latching – Eagerly feeds every 2-3 hours.
- Muscle tone – Healthy flexibility, not overly stiff or floppy.
If you are ever concerned your baby is not getting enough milk, contact their pediatrician. Supplementing is sometimes needed, especially in the first weeks.
How feeding amounts vary by milk type
Feeding recommendations can also vary based on whether your newborn is drinking breastmilk or formula.
Breastfed newborns
– Tend to eat smaller volumes per feeding.
– Feed more frequently, around 8-12 times per day.
– Receive more easily digestible nutrients from breastmilk.
– Self-regulate intake based on hunger and fullness.
– Require less milk early on – around 19-30 oz daily is typical.
Formula fed newborns
– Typically take in larger volumes, around 3-4 oz per feeding.
– Eat less often, around 6-8 feeds per day.
– Formulas are not as bioavailable, so larger feeds may be needed.
– Overfeeding is more of a concern since baby doesn’t self-regulate.
– Need at least 25-35 oz of formula per day.
Again, let your baby’s hunger cues guide you versus sticking strictly to amounts. Both breastmilk and formula provide complete nutrition.
Setting a newborn feeding schedule
While newborns don’t adhere to strict schedules, establishing some consistency helps ensure they eat often enough. A sample schedule may look like:
| Time | Feeding |
|---|---|
| 7 AM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 9 AM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 11 AM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 1 PM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 3 PM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 5 PM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 7 PM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 9 PM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 11 PM | Breast/bottle feeding |
| 1 AM | Breast/bottle feeding |
Aim for a feeding at least every 2-3 hours from the start of one session to the next. Allow for more frequent feeds if baby shows hunger signs.
Pacing bottle feeds
Pacing involves feeding slowly and strategically to prevent overfeeding. To pace a bottle feed:
- Offer 1-2 oz then burp before continuing.
- Tip bottle so milk fills only nipple.
- Hold baby semi-upright.
- Take breaks to burp.
- Gently press bottle against lips instead of stuffing in mouth.
- Aim for feeds to take 15-20 minutes.
Pacing gives baby’s brain time to recognize fullness and limits overfilling their tiny stomach.
Nighttime feeding tips
Many newborns need night feeds, especially in the first months. To make night feedings go smoothly:
- Minimize stimulation by avoiding bright lights and excessive talking.
- Focus just on feeding – no playing or changing diapers.
- Gently rouse baby then let them latch when ready.
- Resist rocking or soothing that becomes a sleep crutch.
- Burp then immediately put baby back in bassinet.
- Take shifts for night feeds to allow each parent rest.
Gradually night feeds will decrease as baby begins sleeping longer stretches. But expect waking for feeds for at least the first couple months.
Supplementing with formula
Supplementing with some formula feeds is recommended under certain circumstances:
- Baby is showing signs of dehydration or underfeeding like excessive weight loss.
- Mom’s milk supply is low.
- Baby has jaundice.
- Medical issues make supplementing advisable.
- Mom needs more rest between breastfeeds.
Talk to your pediatrician before supplementing to rule out any anatomical issues like tongue ties. Use paced bottle feeding if supplementing to prevent overfeeding breast and bottle.
Weaning off night feedings
Over time, babies outgrow the need for nighttime feeds as they learn to sleep longer. Signs they may be ready to drop night feeds include:
- Sleeping 5-6 hour stretches at night consistently.
- Drinking higher volumes during daytime.
- Having appropriate weight gain.
- Waking at night out of habit versus hunger.
To encourage weaning:
- Gradually increase time between feeds by 15-30 minutes.
- Substitute night feeds with more frequent daytime feeds.
- Distract with pacifier or thumbsucking when waking.
- Don’t rush night weaning. Take it slow over weeks/months.
Dropping night feeds should happen naturally based on your baby’s needs. Forcing it too fast can negatively impact milk supply.
When to talk to a doctor about feeding issues
Consult your pediatrician if your newborn experiences:
- Difficulty latching or sucking during feeds.
- Refusal to eat or discontinues sucking mid-feed.
- Spitting up green or yellow fluid.
- Failure to gain weight appropriately.
- Excessive fussiness after feeds.
- Consistently sleeps 4+ hours between feeds.
These can indicate more serious conditions like food intolerances, reflux, illnesses, or metabolic disorders. Most feeding issues can be overcome with assistance.
Conclusion
While most newborns need around 2-3 ounces per feeding, some may comfortably take 4 ounces or more. Pay attention to your baby’s hunger and fullness cues versus sticking to rigid amounts. Paced feeds, frequent burping, and semi-upright positioning can help minimize spit up and discomfort if your baby does better with larger feeds. But if you see signs of overfeeding like excessive spitting, gas, or crying, go back to smaller amounts. With a combination of observation and experimentation, you will figure out the right feeding volumes to help your newborn thrive.
